It says something that 'When the Boer War began the state had been shocked to find that as many as 60 per cent of young men were unfit to fight (i.e. unable to run 100 yards with a rifle).' Pre-NHS, healthcare in Britain was a hit and miss affair with quality dependent on your wealth, and even if you could afford a doctor, or a stay in hospital, your recovery was, to an extent, determined by luck as medical knowledge was still fairly rudimentary. In Health and Heartbreak - Healthcare Before the NHS Jeannie Duckworth takes the reader into the harrowing world of early 20th century healthcare in the UK. In many homes even a meagre diet was unattainable leading to a barrage of diseases and conditions where people were resigned to illness and death and did not expect any medical miracles. The gradual introduction of drugs, hygiene, diet and financially accessible care are outlined in this very informative read.